Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) play many roles within the healthcare industry. Whether they work in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals or assisted living communities, CNAs embody a variety of roles in a single position that provides care for people. Providing care for people can require a variety of different skills, as different individuals and work settings have different needs. These are some of the roles and tasks of certified nursing assistants:

Managing patient care

One of the biggest responsibilities CNAs have is to maintain health records of the individuals living in the facilities they work for. They work in tandem with nurses to provide the highest-quality care to patients and residents. CNAs also help coordinate any treatment or other activities the individuals they care for are involved with from a medical standpoint.

Patient treatment

CNAs are often the primary caregivers of the residents or patients they work with. Their patient treatment responsibilities can include a variety of tasks, from helping patients bathe, feeding them, taking their vitals and, in some cases, administering medicine.

Educator

CNAs also spend a significant amount of time educating patients or residents about their treatment. This requires having the knowledge and ability to explain healthcare procedures and why they are being done. For patients, knowing what to expect and having peace of mind can go a long way toward their healing. Healthcare information can be complicated, so having a friendly person you trust can make any harsh news more bearable.

Counselor

Another important hat that CNAs wear is that of counselor – one who actively listens and responds to what a patient says. In many cases, especially in senior living communities, CNAs are the primary caregivers. They are the members of the facility staff who spend the most time with the residents. Therefore, it is important that they take the time to understand the needs of the residents or patients. The only way to do that is to listen to them.

Healthcare trainer

Going hand in hand with the role of educator is healthcare trainer. Being a healthcare trainer means helping residents and patients put what you taught them (or the doctor’s orders) into practice. Properly practicing healthy techniques will help them master the activities that will help them live their fullest lives.

If you are ready for a multifaceted career that will allow you to build bonds with patients, becoming a CNA might be a great career choice for you.

Summit College in California is a skilled trades institution that specializes in a variety of occupations, including certified nursing assistants. Summit College’s Certified Nursing Assistant program will prepare you for a career as a CNA. Unlike nursing programs at a four-year university, Summit College’s CNA program costs only a fraction of the money and time to complete.

By the end of our program, you will have learned the information required to pass the certification exam. Only upon achieving certification will you have the opportunity to take advantage of a field that is projected to have 9 percent job growth through 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Our CNA program is offered during the day at our San Bernardino, California, campus. Don’t wait – you can start your career in a healthcare field with or without a diploma in as soon as six weeks.

To learn more about Summit College’s CNA program, Click Here or call us at (855) 970-4151.

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